View full sizeWith Trent Richardson still effective around the goal line, the Browns aren't going to be taking him out of the lineup before the end of the season.Joshua Gunter, The Plain Dealer

Hey, Mary Kay: Isn't it time to sit Trent Richardson for the season? If he's hurt, let's start the healing now. Let Montario Hardesty and the rest play out the season. -- Rich M, Schaumburg, Ill.

Hey, Rich: If Richardson hasn't rested from the torn cartilage in his ribs by now, it's not going to happen. He's 103 yards away from the 1,000-yard milestone, and it's important for him to reach it. He probably should've rested a few games right after the injury, but it's not in his nature. Likewise, he probably shouldn't have started the opener four weeks after knee surgery, but he wouldn't have it any other way. Richardson is hurting more than he's letting on, but he's not coming out.

Hey, Mary Kay: Is there any chance of keeping the great coordinators and assistant coaches in the event Pat Shumur is released? Can they keep Dick Jauron and other coordinators? Or do their contracts link to the head coach? -- Chris Colla, New York, N.Y.

Hey, Chris: I think a new head coach would want to bring in his own coordinators. However, if the coach is coming out of the college ranks or is a younger coach, I could see the Browns encouraging him to keep Jauron. The young defense is headed in the right direction and Jauron has done a great job all season.

Hey, Mary Kay: Is there any reason why the Browns don't try a spread offense with Brandon Weeden in the shotgun in a hurry-up mode? Also, the Colts and Redskins brought in veteran receivers to help their rookie quarterbacks. Do you believe Weeden's transition would have been easier if he had veteran receivers like Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III have? -- Rich Smith, Columbus

Hey, Rich: The Browns' current regime is not about to scrap their West Coast scheme, but they have given Weeden a chance to showcase his strong arm and take shots downfield. Yes, I think it would've been easier if Weeden had some veteran receivers this season. The Browns tried to sign Pierre Garcon and Josh Morgan in free agency, but Washington beat them to the punch. They also felt Mohamed Massaquoi was poised to step up, but his hamstring injury prevented that.

Hey, Mary Kay: Do you think Colt McCoy should be given a second chance to start next year? Last year Colt threw 14 TDs to 11 INTs, only starting 13 games, having no running game, lots of dropped passes, and no off-season. Do you think that the Browns could sign 49ers QB Alex Smith? -- Ian Kinnaird, Novelty, Ohio

Hey, Ian: I think McCoy should at least be given a chance to compete for the job. He probably should've been given that chance in training camp this year. If nothing else, it would've pushed Weeden. I think the Browns will make sure they have the best QB they can find for 2013, whether it's Weeden, McCoy or someone else. I think they'll look in the draft, free agency and at trades. They know how important it is and will leave no stone unturned.

Hey, Mary Kay: How many draft choices will the Browns have to give up to pry Kirk Cousins away from Washington? Will we be able to outbid St. Louis? -- Karl W., Maine

Hey, Karl: With teams often needing two quarterbacks to get through a season -- and with Robert Griffin III sacrificing his body on every play -- I doubt the 'Skins will be willing to part with Cousins, especially after the game he had against the Browns.

Hey, Mary Kay: Do you think Weeden is a bad fit for the West Coast offense? I would think that with a strong-armed quarterback you would want him to fling it outside more to avoid the batted balls. I just seem to think he will benefit with a more traditional offense (maybe next year). -- Josh Reed, White Oak, Pa.

Hey, Josh: I think Pat Shurmur and his staff have done a good job of adapting the West Coast offense to Weeden. There are plenty of opportunities for him to take shots downfield, and he's ninth in the NFL with 498 attempts. As for the batted balls, he needs to lock on to receivers less. It's something Joe Haden warned him about in training camp on those three-step drops.

Hey, Mary Kay: I believe in the young talent the Browns have acquired. I do not have any faith in Shurmur, it is my belief that his 'offense' does not work in the NFL. It has been two years and it's the same, no open receivers. What say you? -- John Sparks, Columbus

Hey, John: The West Coast and all of its variations are proven. It's the players operating it that make the difference. The Browns are young, inexperienced and developing. Brandon Weeden, Trent Richardson, Josh Gordon and Travis Benjamin will be all be better next year. It's also a precision, timing-based scheme, and it's just not there yet.

Hey, Mary Kay: Is it true the NFL offers its players a 24/7 provide-a-ride service to discourage them from drinking and driving? -- Mike Knapp, Penfield, Ohio

Hey, Mike: Yes, it's true! No excuses for NFL players to drink and drive. All they have to do is pick up the phone.

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